BevSA takes sugar tax fight to parliament

The Beverage Association of South Africa took their fight against the proposed Health and Promotion Levy to Parliament today. Mapule Ncanywa, the Executive Director of the association, presented the industry's position to the Joint Committee in a bid to highlight the potential impacts of the levy on both health and the economy. Ncanywa emphasized the need for a holistic approach to addressing the issue of sugar consumption in South Africa, arguing that singling out sugar-sweetened beverages alone was not sufficient. During the presentation, Ncanywa outlined the proactive steps taken by the industry to reduce sugar content in beverages and promote healthier options. The association has already started reformulating products to reduce sugar content and has made changes to packaging sizes to offer consumers smaller portions. Additionally, efforts have been made to increase the marketing of diet and zero sugar products to educate consumers on healthier alternatives. In collaboration with the government, specifically the Ministry of Social Development, the association has developed a healthy lifestyle booklet aimed at educating consumers on making better choices when it comes to their diet, including beverages. They have also engaged in initiatives like partnering with Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers to promote healthy practices among children. Despite these efforts, Ncanywa raised concerns about the perceived unfair targeting of the beverage industry. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses all sources of sugar intake in the diet, not just sugar-sweetened beverages. Ncanywa pointed out examples from other countries like Mexico and the U.S., where consumers shifted from soft drinks to other equally unhealthy products when faced with restrictions on sugary beverages. Highlighting the importance of collaboration between the industry and the government, Ncanywa stressed the need for a collective effort to educate consumers and address the core issues of diet and nutrition. She called for a sustainable solution that tackles the problem holistically to prevent consumers from simply moving to alternative unhealthy options once one source of sugar is regulated. The Beverage Association of South Africa's advocacy for a comprehensive approach to the Health and Promotion Levy underscores their commitment to promoting health while safeguarding the interests of the beverage industry. As discussions on the levy continue, the industry remains proactive in seeking solutions that balance health concerns with economic considerations.